NPR News Now: August 18, 2025, 3AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman
Duration: ~5 minutes
Theme: The latest news from around the world, covering major political developments, breaking local news, economic updates, international events, and cultural highlights.

Main Theme

This episode delivers a quick, comprehensive roundup of significant global and national events, from ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine war and hurricane updates on the U.S. East Coast, to a tragic shooting in New York City, economic signals from the Federal Reserve, international labor and protest movements, a quirky board game championship, and the weekend box office results.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Diplomatic Efforts for Ukraine Peace (00:15–00:55)

• Meeting at the White House:
  European leaders are joining Ukrainian President Zelensky and President Trump in Washington to discuss a Ukraine peace deal.
• Recent Trump-Putin Meeting:
  President Trump recently met with President Putin in Alaska and mentioned a possible "land swap" as a requirement for peace.
• Concerns from Ukrainian Advocate:
  Olena Kozlova, a Ukrainian refugee advocate, raises concerns over the land swap proposal:

  "Might seem like a good solution for Ukrainians. It's not as much about the land. It is about the people who live on that territory. And we have seen the horrors that people have to go through under Russian occupation." (Olena Kozlova, 00:41)

2. Hurricane Erin Threatens U.S. East Coast (00:55–01:28)

• Evacuation Orders:
  Hatteras Island, North Carolina, is being evacuated starting Monday as Hurricane Erin intensifies back to a Category 4, with increasing size and potential for severe weather along the East Coast.
• Official Warnings:
  While a direct hit is not expected, heavy winds and high surf are anticipated.

3. Deadly Shooting in Brooklyn, New York (01:28–02:01)

• Tragic Incident:
  A Sunday morning shooting in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, at a hookah lounge leaves three dead and nine injured.
• Details on the Shooting:
  Police report up to four shooters, over 40 shell casings recovered, and victims identified as men aged 19, 27, and 35.
• City Response:
  NYC mobilizes a "mass shooting plan" and urges public cooperation.

  "Officials are urging the public to help them gather more information about the crime." (Ramzi Khalifi, 01:55)

4. Anticipation Over Federal Reserve Speech (02:01–02:55)

• Key Policy Moment:
  Investors are focused on an upcoming speech by Fed Chair Jerome Powell at Jackson Hole, with expectations about potential rate cuts due to signs of a slowing labor market.

  "...the main focus would be on whether he hints at potential rate cuts next month." (Rafael Nam, 02:14)

• Economic Context:
  The Fed has held rates steady in 2025 after sharp cuts last year, with concerns shifting from inflation to employment.

5. Air Canada Strike Disrupts Travel (02:55–03:48)

• Massive Disruption:
  10,000 Air Canada flight attendants’ strike affects about 130,000 travelers daily.
• Legal Action and Defiance:
  Though ordered back to work, the union continues to defy Canada’s Industrial Relations Board.

6. Protests in Israel Over Gaza Hostages (03:48–03:54)

• Large-Scale Demonstrations:
  Hundreds of thousands in Israel demand a deal to release hostages in Gaza and protest a planned military offensive, fearing for hostages’ safety.

7. Settlers of Catan US Championship (03:54–04:24)

• Board Game News:
  Barack Oscar of Irvine, California, wins the national title after a two-hour game.
• World Finals Qualifications:
  He's set to compete in 2027's World Finals, though organizers cite "geopolitical tensions" as a reason for not hosting in the U.S.
• Insightful Quote:

  "Everybody wants to achieve something and you can't do it on your own. You really need collaboration with others, and I think that's an example for the world." (Barack Oscar, 04:06)

8. Weekend Box Office Results (04:24–04:53)

• Top Films:
  • "Weapons" leads for the second weekend despite a 43% drop, earning $25 million.
  • "Freakier Friday" continues strong for Disney.
  • "Nobody 2" and a "Fantastic Four" sequel round out the top four.

Memorable Quotes

• Olena Kozlova on Ukraine Land Swap:

  "It's not as much about the land. It is about the people who live on that territory. And we have seen the horrors that people have to go through under Russian occupation." (00:41)

• Barack Oscar on Catan and World Lessons:

  "You can't do it on your own. You really need collaboration with others, and I think that's an example for the world." (04:06)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Ukraine Peace Talks: 00:15–00:55
• Hurricane Erin Updates: 00:55–01:28
• Brooklyn Shooting Coverage: 01:28–02:01
• Federal Reserve Speech Preview: 02:01–02:55
• Air Canada Strike News: 02:55–03:48
• Israel-Gaza Protest Report: 03:48–03:54
• Settlers of Catan Championship: 03:54–04:24
• Box Office Recap: 04:24–04:53

This succinct news update provides listeners with crucial information on major developing stories and insight into the cultural moment, balancing urgent political coverage, economic signals, and lighter features.